City Council pays tribute to Bates

January 19, 2004|By Frank Michels, Staff Writer

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GAYLORD - City Councilmember Shirley Bates fought off tears at Monday night's council meeting as Gaylord's Mayor Gladys Solokis and the City Council paid tribute to her many years of service to the community.

Solokis, who presented Bates with a dozen yellow roses, praised the outgoing councilmember for her commitment to the city and her many years of civic involvement.

Bates served on the council for 10 years before she was defeated in a re-election bid in November by longtime city activist Gerald Campbell. Campbell was sworn in as a new councilmember following the tribute to Bates.

"Thank you so very much," said Bates in response to the tribute.

"It's been an honor to work for the citizens of Gaylord and a privilege to work on this board."

Bates praised the city's administration, police department and employees in the Dept. of Public Works for making Gaylord such a great place to live.

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"You will always be here in my heart and prayers," Bates said.

During Bates' tenure on council she has said the city accomplished many goals. Some of the city achievements included the development of Aspen Park and the Aspen Park Pathways, the Pavilion on Court, new city streets, infrastructure improvements, and Project Pedestrian.

Following last year's Michigan Municipal League convention in Detroit, Bates pointed with pride to some of those accomplishments.

"So many people have discovered Aspen Park and are thrilled. I was so proud of our city when we received two of three awards at the Michigan Municipal League convention in Detroit for Aspen Park and the Pavilion. I think those awards point out what a great community this is. We work together to make things better and I want to continue to be a part of that team to make this a better community in which to live."

Bates got her wish to continue serving the city. Solokis appointed her to a three-year term on the City Planning Commission to replace Campbell, who resigned from that position after serving about 35 years on the planning commission.